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RSPCA highlights plight of black cats
Black and black and white cats are seen more often in RSPCA centres than any other colour.

Pet owners urged to look beyond coat colour

On Black Cat Appreciation Day (17 August), the RSPCA is urging people to look beyond an animal’s appearance and understand that coat colour makes no difference to how much love they have to give.

RSPCA cat behaviour and welfare expert Sam Watson said: “All cats are individuals with their own quirks and personality, so I recommend people try to look beyond their colour to find the right match for them.

“At the RSPCA we care for all animals and believe each one deserves a second chance at happiness. If anyone is looking to become a cat owner we would urge them to adopt a rescue cat as there are so many that need loving homes.”

Rehoming figures published by the RSPCA show that black and black and white cats are seen more often in their centres than any other colour. Black cats
are also most overlooked, taking on average 30 days to find a new home, compared to an average of 19 days for ginger cats.

The charity believes it could be because black cats are more common, but also that ginger and tabby cats are seen as more unusual or different.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.